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Join Family (Long Stay D Visa)
IrelandIreland•Europe
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Join Family (Long Stay D Visa)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months – 1 year

Estimated Cost

EUR €360–€400

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

varies

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Long-stay D visa allowing non-EEA family of Irish citizens or lawful residents to join them in Ireland, with a pathway to Stamp 4 residency.

The Long Stay D Join Family visa lets non-EEA nationals reunite with a family member who is an Irish citizen or lawful resident. qualifying relationships include spouses, civil partners, dependent children, and de facto partners cohabiting for at least two years. The sponsor must meet income thresholds and not have been predominantly reliant on state benefits in the previous two years.

Applications are filed via the AVATS online portal, then the signed summary and supporting documents (relationship evidence, sponsor status, bank statements, employment records) go to the relevant visa office. Visa fees are €60 single entry or €100 multiple entry, plus a €300 IRP registration fee paid after arrival. Processing can take up to 12 months from receipt of full documentation.

This visa is ideal for spouses, civil partners, and minor children of Irish citizens or settled non-EEA residents who can demonstrate genuine family ties and meet the sponsor's financial threshold.

Cost Breakdown

Visa Fee (Single)EUR €60
Visa Fee (Multiple)EUR €100
IRP Registration FeeEUR €300
TotalEUR €360–€400

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Stamp 4 Residency
Ireland flagIreland

Stamp 4 Residency

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details
Stamp 1G (Graduate / Spousal)
Ireland flagIreland

Stamp 1G (Graduate / Spousal)

ValidityUp to 24 months
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a non-EEA national joining a family member (spouse, civil partner, child, or dependent relative)

Sponsor must be an Irish citizen or lawfully residing in Ireland

Sponsor must meet specific financial requirements

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

30,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of relationship

Proof of sponsor's status

Evidence of financial support

Passport and photos

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Brings spouses, partners, and dependent children of Irish citizens and lawful residents together in Ireland
  • Family of Irish nationals normally receive Stamp 4, granting full labour-market access with no employment permit needed
  • Counts toward long-term residence and a future naturalisation application
  • Renewable through the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) system
  • Modest application fees of €60 single entry or €100 multiple entry

Worth Knowing

  • Processing can take up to 12 months from receipt of all required documents
  • Sponsors must meet specific income thresholds, which rise when multiple family members are sponsored
  • Sponsor cannot have been predominantly reliant on state benefits for the previous two years
  • Extensive documentary evidence required, including 6 months of bank statements and 3 years of employment or tax records
  • Approval is discretionary; meeting qualification does not guarantee a visa
  • Inability to evidence a genuine qualifying relationship with the sponsor
  • Sponsor failing the minimum income or self-sufficiency requirement
  • Use of false or misleading documents, which can trigger refusal and a future ban

Application Process

1

Submit online AVATS application

2

Submit supporting documents to the relevant office

3

Pay visa fee

4

Register for IRP upon arrival

Application Forms

AVATS Online ApplicationFill online

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